I got my copy a couple of weeks ago and thought it was a beautiful production (designed by Toer van Schayk.) The backdrop of the first act (a forbidding icy blue mountain scene) was contrasted with the warm earth tones of the village--it seemed like a foretelling of the tragedy that was to come. This same background was also used to great effect in Act 2 and was silhouetted with black trees. There was a peasant pas de quatre in Act 1 superbly danced, especially by the women. Michele Jimenez and Maia Gremillet. In addition to the usual solos, the two ladies also performed variations to music I had never heard before. I thought perhaps it was another composer, but Adam is the only one listed. Tsygankova was a credible Giselle and I especially liked Josef Varga's Albrecht.

I'm not sure if this is the correct protocol but here's the link to Amazon UK:

It's now available from Amazon in the USA as well. Just click the Amazon box at the top of the page. If you order from there, a percentage of the purchase price will go to benefit Ballet Talk. I've just done that, thanks to atm711's recommendation.

The backdrop was rather unusual as it was a single cloth that stretched all the way around the three sides of the stage, with exits cut into it for the dancers. Toer van Schayk's intention was for it to look like a watercolour painting. We thought it was very effective and the decor has received some positive comments elsewhere too.

The music for the pas de quatre was indeed by Adam. Just a note that it was Maia Makhatelli, who was partnered by Mathieu Gremillet.

I got my copy a couple of weeks ago and thought it was a beautiful production (designed by Toer van Schayk.) The backdrop of the first act (a forbidding icy blue mountain scene) was contrasted with the warm earth tones of the village--it seemed like a foretelling of the tragedy that was to come. This same background was also used to great effect in Act 2 and was silhouetted with black trees. There was a peasant pas de quatre in Act 1 superbly danced, especially by the women. Michele Jimenez and Maia Gremillet. In addition to the usual solos, the two ladies also performed variations to music I had never heard before. I thought perhaps it was another composer, but Adam is the only one listed. Tsygankova was a credible Giselle and I especially liked Josef Varga's Albrecht.

CHazell2, yes the mime scenes are included. Having watched many Giselles in preparation for filming this one, I would say it is dramatically exciting - particularly the second act. However as the producer I'm a little biased!

It was Dance Europe's Critics' Choice 2009 for best programme and the production has got some very nice reviews.

Hi there.

Are the mime scenes included, e.g Berthe's Mime Scene? Also what is the production like? Is it dramatically exciting?

In Act 1 Albrecht also has a variation to unfamiliar music. There is a 40 minute bonus feature and I was disappointed that it was not clarified.

The Corps in Act 2 wore their veils for a longer time than in any production I have seen and it added so much to the mystery of the scene. There was one absolutely breath-taking moment when the corps formed a perfect circle around Myrtha---and for the first time in any production they really looked like a sisterhood.

In Act 1 Albrecht also has a variation to unfamiliar music. There is a 40 minute bonus feature and I was disappointed that it was not clarified.

The Corps in Act 2 wore their veils for a longer time than in any production I have seen and it added so much to the mystery of the scene. There was one absolutely breath-taking moment when the corps formed a perfect circle around Myrtha---and for the first time in any production they really looked like a sisterhood.

I love that moment too, atm711. We placed a camera very high up specifically to capture that section.

I'm sorry that the questions about the music were not clarified in the bonus materials. I've asked the choreographers to provide some answers, I'll pass them on when I receive them.